Mayo Clinic highlights importance of exercise for cancer patients

The Mayo Clinic periodically stresses the benefits of exercise for cancer patients and has just done so once again. In a brief press release, the clinic notes even walks have proven therapeutic to cancer patients.

"Taking regular walks and doing gentle resistance training at home made a difference for people receiving cancer treatment, a recent Mayo Clinic study shows," the clinic wrote.

They noted that sleep was improved, movement was improved and that patients level of fatigue is far better with light exercise. All of those benefits can add up to better results while going through what is often taxing cancer treatments.

The Mayo Clinic does suggest cautions via the American Cancer Society:

- hold off on exercise if you red blood cell count is low; once up again begin exercise.

- if you've a weakened immune system, avoid public gyms.

- chlorine irritates treatment area so if undergoing radiation stay out of pools.

Over the past few years, the Mayo Clinic has published numerous studies and articles on the benefits of exercise for cancer patients looking to improve their quality of life and for those seeking additional strength and stamina while fighting for a cure.